Ask any six-year-old and they’ll say, “Electricity is really cool stuff.” Yes, it truly is amazing. It can power your flat screen TV, a car, your iPad, your video game equipment, NASA, or more locally...the Quicken Loans Arena, the FirstEnergy Stadium and Progressive Field.
Parents, we must remember that electricity can be dangerous, even life-threatening. An electrical problem can lead to electric shock or even a house fire. Electricity presents potential hazards at home, at school, and at work – just about anywhere.
According to medlineplus.gov, “electrical injuries can be external or internal.” The site continues, “External injuries are skin burns. Internal injuries include damage to your organs, bones, muscles, and nerves. You could also have abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest.” That’s scary stuff, especially if it happens to your kids.
Causes of electrical injuries around the home:
- Struck by lightning,
- A faulty electrical appliance,
- Contact with wires in the house,
- A small child biting or sucking on an electrical cord,
- A small child sticking an object in an electrical outlet, and
- A child using an electrical appliance in the bathtub or while standing in water.
Avoiding Electrical Injuries in Children
- Never stick an object in an electrical outlet.
- Never overload a power strip.
- Pull a plug out from the plug itself, not the cord.
- Never place a metal object in the toaster, including silverware.
- Do not put metal objects in the microwave, including aluminum foil.
- Never touch a damaged or frayed electrical cord.
- Do not place a drink on top of a video game console.
- Do not dry your hair with a blow dryer while standing in water.
- Keep electrical cords away from space heaters.
- Never climb a tree near a power line.
- STAY AWAY from power lines.
- Never put an electrical appliance in the bath or shower.
- Do not throw anything onto a power line.
- Never swim outside when there is a thunderstorm.
- Do not plug an electrical appliance near a pool or Jacuzzi.
To learn more about electric shock, we recommend reading, “Electrical Shock Injuries and Children” by the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you’re in need of electrical services in Cleveland, contact Green Home Solutions, LLC today.